CHAPTER XII. 



OF THE KING-FISH, OR BARB. 



THIS is a fine fish, both for the hook and the palate, and is 

 found only and seldom in the bay and harbor of New-York. 

 Whence he comes, and whither he goes, and of his habits, 

 little is known, even among the oldest inhabitants of New 

 York. The older fraternity of anglers, however, know 

 more about him than those of later growth: certain it is, 

 that among those who have had the pleasure of his acquaint- 

 ance with a hook and line, few can ever forget him. As 

 a game fish he is considered as giving more real sport than 

 either the trout, basse, or salmon. His name and where- 

 abouts has only to be whispered to the New York Angler, 

 and he is off after sport that perhaps he has anticipated for 

 years. 



" King-Fish (Sceaena Nebulosa Mitchill) With cir- 

 rhous chin, clouded skin, and ragged, blunt processes, partly 

 overhanging the upper lip. Length, sixteen or eighteen 

 inches; depth about three; though some individuals are 

 larger. Head and body scaly. Color of the head and body 



